The Duchess in Disguise

10

Two Days Later · Vera’s Bedroom

Vera sat before her vanity, fingers tapping lightly on the antique tabletop, her brows furrowed in thought.

I’ve known Cassian for more than a decade, and yet I still haven’t found his weakness. This garden gathering—how can I finally ruin his reputation, make him pay for everything he’s done to me?

She paused, a sudden sense that she was forgetting something important flickering in her mind. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t recall it.

Forget it. No use worrying about it now. I need to focus on the real business at today’s gathering.

She swept her hair up, her makeup sharp and flawless. Once she was ready, she dismissed her maid, Lia, slipping quietly from the room.

If you’re going to cause trouble, better to go it alone. Bringing someone along would only get in the way.

Vera made her way down the shaded path toward Seraphina’s estate, her gown trailing across the flagstones with a soft, secretive sound.

Not long after she disappeared, Aiden Aldrich stepped out of the shadows, watching her go.

Aiden smiled to himself. "Up to mischief again? What exactly is Vera planning today?"

His attendant, Simon, stifled a laugh. "Your Highness, it seems you truly don’t need to worry about Lady Vera marrying the Fourth Prince."

Aiden’s lips curved with sly amusement. "Honestly, I’d love to see Cassian and Derek fight over an empty seat. Would they turn on each other right there?"

Hawthorne Estate · Garden Luncheon

Beneath the sun, roses climbed the stone walls, and noble ladies and young misses gathered around a long white table. Crystal goblets and silver platters shimmered with a subtle, refined light.

The moment Vera arrived, every head turned, conversation pausing mid-sentence.

A garden luncheon—a stage for noblewomen to show off, gossip, and probe each other’s secrets.

In my last life, I was so unremarkable that no one ever invited me to gatherings like this. Now I’m the center of attention.

Seraphina Hawthorne spotted her first and hurried over, her smile soft and practiced.

"Vera, you’re here! Everyone’s been waiting for you."

The other ladies closed in, envy and curiosity gleaming in their eyes.

"Lady Vera, you’re simply breathtaking. Your skin is flawless—it makes the rest of us feel so plain!"

"I heard the Fourth Prince is coming today to whisk you away, and yet here you are—calmly joining our little party, as if you couldn’t care less!"

Seraphina’s smile faltered for a heartbeat. She leaned in, voice lowered,

"The Fourth Prince is coming to propose today?"

Vera opened her mouth—only to realize every single pair of eyes was glued to her, waiting for her answer.

Oh, please. Why is everyone looking at me? I barely know what’s going on myself...